The pandemic has made picnicking seem like a bygone joy. Here are some prime locations in our cities where you may lay down your rug and take in the natural scenery.
Sydney’s Q Station
Why is Q Station so underutilised? The 30 hectares of prime harbour-side real estate on North Head, which served as a quarantine station in the 19th and early 20th centuries, are covered with a scattering of ancient houses and grassy hills. There is plenty of space for children to play or to locate a quiet corner for oneself. Enjoy stunning views of Manly, Balmoral, and the far-off skyscrapers. You can travel here by car or boat, and a few coffee shops will serve refreshments after picnics. And you can always look for rental properties in Sydney if you long to stay for longer!
TREASURY GARDENS, MELBOURNE
The modest but charming Treasury Gardens are a great place for outdoor dining for tourists who don’t want to leave Melbourne’s city centre. Victorian hero statues and office employees eating their lunch on park benches will be in close proximity to you. The grounds are kept cool in the summer by a central pond and tunnels of old trees. Nearby Fitzroy Gardens includes a bandstand with a great view of the city and serves as an excellent shelter in case of rain.
Scenic World Blue Mountains
Experience exhilarating activities in the Blue Mountains, a pristine area that is part of the World Heritage Site close to Sydney. You’ll ride the steepest passenger railway in the world through an old rainforest and ride a glass-floored cable car between rocky cliff faces.
The Blue Mountains, which are located less than two hours’ drive west of Sydney, best luxury picnic spot, got its name from the natural blue haze that the huge eucalyptus trees produced. The two-hour train ride to Katoomba, where there are buses for the quick excursion to Scenic World, departs from Sydney’s Central Station.
You will ride the Scenic Railway at Scenic World down a 52-degree tunnel that is built into a cliff. On the Scenic Walkway, a 2.4 km elevated boardwalk in the Jamison Valley, at the bottom, discover a Jurassic rainforest.
On the Scenic Cableway, you can ride in an enclosed cabin and descend to the valley. Enjoy breathtaking vistas as you descend to the valley. Scenic Skyway crosses between cliff tops and is suspended 270 metres above ravines. It includes a glass floor that allows passengers to observe the forest canopy.
Every day of the year, from 9 am to 5 pm, Scenic World is open.
Adelaide’s RED GUM PARK
Red Gum Park, sometimes referred to as Karrawirra or Park 12, is a portion of the green ring that surrounds Adelaide’s downtown. In contrast to its more open walking and running trails, it has traditional flowerbeds and statues. From practically everywhere on its soft grassy knolls, you can enjoy wonderful views of downtown Adelaide over the Torrens River. Be prepared for curious ducks to pass by quacking. You can find a BBQ area and seasonally changing rose beds if you wander into the nearby Angas Gardens.
COCKATOO ISLAND, SYDNEY
Cockatoo Island, which floats where Sydney Harbour meets the Parramatta River, offers picnicking with views of the Harbour Bridge as well as two cafés where you can buy ice cream and chilled beverages, despite the fact that there isn’t much space for it. For old-fashioned lawn games like quoits and cornhole, visit the visitor centre. Since this World Heritage site is loaded with interesting to explore convict and ancient naval remnants, plan on spending the day or possibly the night.
KANGAROO POINT, BRISBANE
Just east of the city centre, the riverside neighbourhood of Kangaroo Point creates a peninsular finger that juts into the Brisbane River. Captain Burke Park is the greatest area to relax on the grass while enjoying the views of the river and skyscrapers from its edge of cliffs and pathways; the only drawback is the above hum of traffic from the Story Bridge. In contrast, Cliffs Park includes a picnic area that is well situated and has covered tables next to a gurgling river.
EDINBURGH GARDENS, MELBOURNE
Shop for lunch supplies in North Fitzroy, then spend a relaxing day in the historic Edinburgh Gardens under one of the park’s many magnificent trees. In addition, there are barbecue booths, water fountains, ping-pong tables, a skate park, a pétanque court, and a maze of walkways for recreation in between courses. If you like calm picnics, avoid the weekend carnival atmosphere; otherwise, accept this park’s new vibe and take the chance to meet new people over sandwiches and a bottle of wine (between 9am and 9pm for the wine).
NATIONAL ARBORETUM, CANBERRA
When it comes to Brisbane’s South Bank Parklands, a promenade, dining, and entertainment area that spans along the river, you sometimes have to accept the obvious, and in this case, you should. Almost any site here is a picnic paradise because to the long stretch of lovely grass and the city views. Riverside Green may be the ideal option for families with young children because of its vistas and fantastic playground. Pick Picnic Island Green if you wish to barbecue or consume alcohol, which is legal both here and at River Quay Green.
CREMORNE POINT RESERVE, SYDNEY
Upon arriving at Cremorne Point after a quick ferry journey from Circular Quay, turn left and you’ll soon come upon the cutest foreshore lawn you’ll ever grace with a picnic mat. This location is absolutely best for champagne and canapés. Sit beneath a shaded tree and look directly at the Opera House, Fort Denison, and the skyline as you pop your champagne. Bring your swimsuits if it’s high summer; the tiny Maccallum Pool is a secret treat that not even Sydney locals are aware of.
FOOTSCRAY PARK, MELBOURNE
Footscray Park is a large Edwardian-era masterpiece geared towards a complete afternoon of relaxation thanks to its playgrounds, fitness circuit, and riverfront stroll, which boasts lovely views towards city skyscrapers and Flemington racecourse. Melbourne has several attractive gardens for a calm picnic. In the lower, more open riverbank area of the park, there are several strategically placed covered picnic tables and park benches. The upper area features lovely flowerbeds, excellent trees, and more quiet, sloping stretches of turf for picnickers who are more romantically inclined
Perth’s Matilda Bay Reserve
While Kings Park is the obvious choice for an afternoon spent outside, it’s also worthwhile to travel a short distance further to Matilda Bay Reserve in Crawley, where a knob of land hooks into the Swan River and offers views of the watery city. The park’s walking and biking trails, picnic areas with free electric barbecues, and shady resting areas with views of the glittering river make it a favourite among locals. Observe photo-taking wedding couples, sailboats, and even dancing dolphins on the river. Since this is a prime location to see the sunset, think about having a picnic in the evening.
